PETALING JAYA: Selangor state assembly speaker Hannah Yeoh is disappointed with the “very heavy police presence” and road blocks in Shah Alam last night during a peaceful candlelight vigil for Pastor Raymond Koh, calling it unwarranted.

Comparing it with the surveillance and level of security in place during the provocative protests led by Sungai Besar Umno division chief Jamal Yunos in recent months, Yeoh said the difference was “glaring to say the least”.

“The multiple roadblocks and very heavy police presence created unnecessary confusion. There were no provocative or political speeches. Only a simple speech by Pastor Raymond’s wife thanking everyone and urging everyone to keep praying for his safety.

“I work in Shah Alam just a mere 100 metres away from the vigil site and I am used to seeing provocative protests led by the infamous Jamal.

“The difference in surveillance between a quiet peaceful candlelight vigil and multiple provocative protests in the same vicinity is glaring to say the least,” the Selangor DAP vice-chairman said.

Yeoh was encouraged however, by the diversity of the 300 people who turned out at the candlelight vigil for the missing Christian religious leader, who was abducted on Feb 13 and still remains missing after three weeks with no update on the investigation by the police.

“I met a young Muslim girl who came all the way from Kota Bharu to show her support last night.

“I was also very encouraged to see the presence of Muslim leaders at the vigil especially Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, Amanah vice-president Mujahid Yusof Rawa and Amanah stretegic director Dzulkefly Ahmad,” said Yeoh, who is also Subang Jaya assemblywoman.

According to the organiser of last night’s vigil, pastor SM Yee, the gathering was originally to take place in front of the Selangor police headquarters, but was redirected by police to the vicinity of Plaza Masalam, in Seksyen 9, where some 50 police officers and Light Strike Force personnel stood guard over the evening’s activities.

Calling the abduction of Pastor Koh a crime that has shocked Malaysians, especially with it having occurred in the urban neighbourhood of Kelana Jaya, and in front of houses in broad daylight, Yeoh urged for more action from the police.

“I urge the home ministry and the inspector-general of police to deploy sufficient resources to resolve this mysterious abduction, not just for the sanity of the pastor’s family but also for the comfort of many anxious Malaysians.”

Koh, 62, was abducted by a group of masked men on Jalan SS4B/10, less than 100 metres from the Police Housing Complex, in Kelana Jaya. He was driving a silver Honda Accord bearing the licence plate ST 5515 D.

The pastor was on his way to a friend’s house there when he was abducted in what CCTV footage has shown to be a well-executed plan involving more than 10 men and seven vehicles.

His family is offering a RM100,000 reward for information on his whereabouts. – FMT